Bomb threats force top Chennai schools to shut early

A handful of schools in Chennai received bomb threats on Thursday morning, prompting schools to shut early and send students home. Schools like the DAV School, Chennai Public School in Gopalapuram, and St Mary's School in Parry's Corner were among the institutions to receive emails warning of a potential bomb threat within their premises.

Initial reports suggest that the threats were a hoax, with no tangible risk to children and employees of these institutions. "This is to inform you that some schools in Chennai have received warning of a potential bomb threat," read a note from the principal of Chennai Public School to the institution's parents.

"As a precautionary measure, the school has requested authorities to thoroughly inspect the premises," it added, "Consequently, students will be dispersed at 1pm today from their respective classrooms."

The note cautioned parents not to panic and to cooperate towards ensuring a smooth dispersal. It said that school transportation facilities wouldn't be available.

Meanwhile, chaotic scenes were witnessed in the neighbourhoods surrounding these schools as hundreds of worried parents left their offices and homes to pick up their children.

Traffic congestion was apparent in these neighbourhoods, too, as life was thrown out of gear. The Tamil Nadu Police's bomb disposal squads were deployed to check for explosive devices. No explosives have been discovered thus far.

A statement by the Greater Chennai Police confirmed that email threats were received by multiple schools within city limits. "Greater Chennai, Police Bomb Device Disposal Squad teams have been sent for anti-sabotage checks in these educational institutions, and action is being taken to identify the culprit who sent these emails," read a statement by the police.

"We were informed about an emergency and asked to calmly disperse from our class," recounted a student at DAV Boys' School, Gopalapuram, after leaving the campus, "We were not told about a bomb or anything like that." Schools and the police alike have since, the threats, been exhorting parents and students not to panic.

As of Thursday afternoon, these schools have their premises thoroughly checked for explosives by the bomb disposal squad, with no devices discovered. Meanwhile, the Greater Chennai Police has said it intends to find out why the threats were sent and who sent them.